As 2018 is fast approaching, there is a piece of advice that I need you to know: Life is hard. You must be thinking, “Wow, I’ve heard this a million times.” However, it really is hard.

As 2018 is fast approaching, it symbolizes hope, joy, love, and an overall positive outlook on what this next year has to bring. Personally, I write resolutions and reflect on the previous year, especially reflecting on what I’ve learned. Regardless of my hope for the good things in this next year, I have to remember that life is unpredictable and saying it’s hard is an understatement. For some, like myself, we are tired. This past year has been a rough one.

Whether you have lost a loved one, ended a relationship, or things just turned out completely different than expected: I want you to know that I see you. All of the things listed have the potential and expectancy to make anyone tired of their circumstance and doubting that things will get better.

I hope for you that 2018 is better and that you get the turn around that you hope for. I hope God or whatever you believe in brings you peace. I hope that you dare to hope for more even though your tiredness makes you think there isn’t a reason for doing so.

There is a reason to hope for more. 2017 has been a tiring, harrowing year for many, but it also has produced beautiful little moments as well.

So I challenge you to realize that you don’t need all the answers in order to bask in the hope of 2018 and that it’s okay to question and doubt that 2018 is will be better. Doubting is natural, but find that little shimmer of hope.

Not to risk sounding like a Pinterest quote, but I have a shimmer of hope for you besides the little moments: You will survive. You will survive whatever is going to happen in 2018 because look where your feet are now, you’ve survived 2017 and 2016.

Find something, someone, or someplace that makes you feel rejuvenated, free, and ready for whatever 2018 brings because I think we all need hope that we will survive.